SLUCare Patient Rights and Advance Directives

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Patient Rights

As a patient being seen by physicians and staff at a SLUCare facility, you have the right:

To know the identity of all physicians and staff participating in your treatment; as a teaching and health care institution, physicians, residents, medical students and physician assistants participate in your care

To be treated with respect, consideration and dignity, including consideration of psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin

To participate in decisions involving your health care; to be assisted in the development of advance directives, and to know and take responsibility for the consequences of refusing treatment or not complying with therapy; to participate in the consideration of ethical issues

To receive services in a safe and clean environment

To privacy and confidentiality, and to approve or refuse the release of you medical records, except when release is required by law

To receive information concerning your diagnosis, treatments and prognosis; and to accept or refuse treatment after full information is given

To know what services are available within SLUCare and what provisions are available for after hours and emergency coverage, and to have access to an interpreter as needed

To refuse to participate in medical research

To know the fees for services provided and the policies regarding the payment of fees

To be free from abuse or neglect and to access protective services

To know the policy regarding the treatment of minors

To be referred to specialists and other professionals when needed, and to change physicians if you are not satisfied and if other qualified physicians are available

To voice compliment or complaint by calling (314) 977-6014

To file a formal grievance by writing a letter to UMG Administration, 3660 Vista Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110

Patient Responsibilities

As a patient being seen by physicians and staff at a SLUCare facility, you have the responsibility:

To provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to your health

To follow the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner responsible for your care and for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner's instructions

To keep appointments and, when unable to do so, to notify the attending practitioner

To ensure that the financial obligations of your healthcare are fulfilled as promptly as possible

To be considerate of the rights of other patients and personnel by assisting in the control of noise and by observing the no-smoking policy

To be respectful of the property of other persons

To ask for clarification when explanations regarding your treatment have not been given to your satisfaction

About Your Advance Directive

An advance directive is a written document that clearly communicates your healthcare wishes in the event that you are unable to do so.

Types of Advance Directives

A durable power of attorney for healthcare is a document that allows you to designate another person (known as a proxy agent) who is at least 18 years of age to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to do so. These decisions may include, but are not limited to, the withholding or withdrawal of life prolonging procedures.

A living will or healthcare directive is a document that allows you to state in advance your wishes regarding the use of certain medical procedures and treatments. It becomes effective when you are unable to make your own decisions and can no longer communicate such decisions. It serves as a guide to your family or the person you name as your agent.

The healthcare team at SLUCare will provide you with the best care possible, whether or not you have an advance directive. If you would like more information about advance directives or would like to prepare one, please call the SLUCare Social Work department at (314) 977-6008.

For more information about SLUCare services, please call (314) 977-4440 or (866) 977-4440.